Sunday, July 13, 2008

THANK YOU, MR. PRESIDENT!You know you're an adult when you spend your economic stimulus package on a new boiler--and you're excited about it. SGJ and I spent ours on the boiler at left (we have radiator heat, so it's technically a boiler, not a furnace). The crew came out on Friday to do the job on what turned out to be the hottest day of the summer so far. With high humidity, the heat index was well above 100 degrees. And then they had to test the boiler after it was installed, so it was roasting at my house that day.

I've read that a large percentage of Americans are using their checks to pay down debt, others are putting the money into savings, and the rest are spending it outright. My sister gave a big chunk of her "free" money to a program that provides laptop computers to children in underdeveloped countries. My father is using his for travel. What are you using yours for?

After years of owning houses--ancient houses--all, your new boiler looks pretty sweet, but also reminds me of my duplex in Prospect Park. The house was built in 1908 and had two tiny little furnaces in the cellar (cellar not basement is the appropriate description) put in when the house was built. Wrapped pipes covered in white tattered asbestos snaked across the ceiling like a maze. While I waited for the washer or dryer to finish their respective cycles, I would go into the other part of the cellar and talk to these two little relics; making them promise they would behave, keep running and Please! Please! To Do This For Me!!

After seven years the duplex sold...the little furnaces still faithfully running.

Fresca finally brought over 'The Gardener's Bedside Reader' and I read your essay 'Ashes to Ashes. What a wonderful way to remember her, to plant a garden with her favorite flowers. Fresca had told me about this but you made it real. And at the end, turning the soil, mixed with your mother's ashes. . . Your piece made me sorrowful but joyful, all at the same time. Thank you.

PS: Being a cat lover you might take a peek at my latest blog...a video of Christian the lion, so incredible.